American Studies is Multidisciplinary which means that it integrates a number of academic disciplines like Literature, History, Politics, Media. This teaches intellectual skills in a broad variety of subjects and shows confidence in being able to cope with an array of different tasks.

By gaining a wide range of skills, many different employment options are open to you when you get your degree. Here are just some of the most popular careers and professions that American Studies graduates take up:

• Film and TV Production

• Education

• Politics

• Journalism

• Sales and Marketing

• Business Administration

• The Media

• Publishing

• Public Relations

• Research

• Museum work

• Human Resources

• Historical Archive Research

• Corporate Communications

(List compiled from the responses of American Studies graduates in the BAAS Alumni Survey)

“American Studies gives you breadth of learning, complexity of approach and it’s more challenging than a single discipline degree, all of which makes American Studies graduates more flexible in a very fluid job market.”

 Susan, American Studies Graduate

An American Studies degree allows graduates to pursue a career in widely diverse fields. The following analysis by BAAS (British Association of American Studies) draws on reports from 365 graduates from nine departments over a number of years. The career paths have been grouped into nine broad categories, and the proportion of graduates following each one is listed below. Within each of these categories, however, many different careers are possible. A sample of these indicates how various the options are for American Studies graduates.Business, Law and Accountancy (41.9%) Graduates pursue the full range of careers in these fields: in banking, in large accountancy firms, in estate agency and in other financial services, in management, marketing and retail for small and large firms. Others take the CPE and go on to work as lawyers.

Postgraduate Study (13.2%) While some graduates take MAs and PhDs in American (or Latin American) Studies, others go on to postgraduate courses in such varied areas as Cultural Studies, Social Work, Creative Writing, Development Studies, or even take an MBA. American Studies graduates are more likely than their peers to undertake further study abroad - often, but not exclusively, in the United States.

Administration and Civil Service (10.9%) This includes charity organisers, immigration and other Civil Service officers, as well as local authority and health service administrators.

Teaching (All Levels - UK) (9.9%) This category includes teaching at all levels from primary school to universities and colleges.

Arts, Media and Media Related (8.2%) This includes working for regional and national radio and television, film production, gallery work, acting and theatre management.

Publishing and Journalism (6.3%) This includes freelance writers and researchers as well as journalist for regional and national newspapers and magazines. Many graduates also go into publishing, in fields ranging from production to editorial to management.

Public Relations and Advertising (2.2%) Graduates have secured PR and personnel jobs in many different firms, and have found work in both the creative and management aspects of advertising.

Teaching and Other Work Abroad (3.3%) Careers abroad range from TEFL teaching in, amongst other places, Poland, Spain, Japan and China, to working for the EU in Brussels, to internship programmes in the US Congress, to administrative posts in various multinational companies.

Other (4.4%) There are of course many other career paths not covered by the preceding categories. These include nursing, the Armed Services, speech therapy, the police and leading expeditions as well as more temporary bar or hotel work.

“After finishing the degree, I went directly to work as a newspaper reporter. American Studies - outside of a journalism degree - was probably the best course of study for such a career path. Familiarity with a wide range of subjects gave me an advantage as I researched, reported, and wrote news stories.”

 Sarah, American Studies and English Graduate

• Communication (written and oral)

• Clear & Logical thinking and evaluation

• Critical reasoning

• Cultural Awareness

• Literacy & Expression

• Presentation

• Organisation

• Planning

• Research

• Data Analysis

• Working to deadlines

• Team work

“Knowledge of US history and politics often gives an insight into handling complex issues and also to the importance of ideas in real-life situations. I learnt everything I needed to know as a trade union negotiator from studying the Cuban missile crisis!”

Daniel, American Studies and Law Graduate

The Year Abroad

The nature of American Studies ensures that all graduates stand out in the increasingly competitive job market  however potential employers look upon the intercalary year particularly favourably.  The study abroad year often changes people – through travel, experiencing the academic and social environment of an American University and generally expanding their horizons in a different culture.

Particular Skills gained from the year abroad

• Independence

• Cultural Awareness

• Interpersonal Skills

• Social Confidence

“I know that employers have noted my study abroad experience. It indicates that I am willing to go the extra yard to get the most out of whatever situation I'm in. It definitely adds weight to any claims that I am an organised and enthusiastic individual when applying for jobs.”

 Andy, American Studies Graduate